Auditory Foreign Language Effect Not Observed in Moral Decisions of Simultaneous Bilinguals
AJAS · 2022 Behavioral Science
Overview
The use of a foreign language has been observed to increase deliberative thinking, favoring utilitarian decisions when making decisions involving moral dilemmas. In the present study, the impact of the auditory foreign language effect on moral decision-making in simultaneous English/Mandarin bilinguals was investigated using a participant group with ages ranging from 14-19. A survey containing audio recordings of 8 moral dilemmas was presented in either Mandarin or English, and after listening to the dilemma participants were instructed to indicate whether the specified action was appropriate or not. An ANOVA was conducted which indicated little correlation between language condition and the number of utilitarian decisions made. The results suggest limitations to the foreign language effect attributed to high proficiency in listening for both languages and possibly the high level of cultural immersion of the participants. Possible implications regard decision-making in political and medical contexts, as well as in interactions in areas utilizing multiple languages.
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My Story
Growing up in a bilingual household, attending a Chinese immersion school, and later learning Spanish in high school, languages have always fascinated me.
Foreign language classes often briefly touch upon the benefits of bilingualism, which sparked my interest in exploring other ways language might impact our day-to-day lives. Through my AP Research class, I was given the opportunity to explore this passion. While combing through research articles, one article on the foreign language effect caught my eye, which led me to wonder how this might apply to my peers with a similar language background.
Following the conclusion of my project, I had the opportunity to present at SCJAS, and it ultimately led me to this page.
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Competition history
- AJAS 2022
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